Decreases or eliminates the urge to roam (escaping the house or jumping the fence)

Decreases or eliminates inappropriate mounting behavior (usually due to hormones but occasionally this behavior is related to dominance issues)

These behaviors are triggered by hormones. Neutering will often decrease or eliminate these behaviors, but an older intact male may have these behaviors developed into habits that can be very hard to break. It is best to neuter at a young age before this occurs.

How does this benefit the community? Spaying and neutering has benefits that reach far beyond your own household.

Spaying and neutering:

Reduces the number of unwanted and homeless animals that are euthanized

In some cases, prevents an animal from passing on an undesirable genetic trait (something that may be inherited from a parent such as a retained testicle or an umbilical hernia)

Allows specific dog and cat breeds to be improved through the work of expert, responsible breeders and careful selection of breeding animals

But what about...? There are myths about spaying and neutering that often cause people concern. Here is the truth.

Spaying and neutering:

Does NOT lead to weight gain or lethargy

Does NOT change playfulness or friendliness

Does NOT result in a smaller male (In fact, male dogs neutered before puberty actually grow taller.)

Does NOT decrease an animal's enjoyment in life (It can lead to a better relationship between you and your pet, which is what a companion animal enjoys!)

So what is the next step? If you would like to have your pet spayed or neutered, please call the clinic at (217) 774-5464 to set up an appointment. For most animals, we recommend spaying or neutering at 4 to 6 months of age.

If you would like to learn more about what actually happens during the process, please click HERE to go to our "Story of a Spay" for a step-by-step explanation. There are no pictures from the actual surgery, so do not worry about being squeamish!